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Environment and Natural Resources Publications

To browse all LAO publications, visit our Publications page.


 




Report

Preparing for Rising Seas: How the State Can Help Support Local Coastal Adaptation Efforts

December 10, 2019 - This report responds to increasing legislative interest in determining how the state can best prepare for the impacts of climate change, including sea‑level rise (SLR).

Also see this Summary Fact Sheet for the report

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Background on Public Safety Power Shutoffs

November 18, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee

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The 2019-20 Budget: California Spending Plan—Resources and Environmental Protection

October 17, 2019 - The 2019-20 budget includes over $12 billion for the state’s natural resources and environmental protection programs. This post describes budgetary actions related to the annual cap-and-trade expenditure plan, support for a new safe and affordable drinking water program, funding for a variety of wildfire prevention and response activities, as well as other significant changes.

Report

Allocating Utility Wildfire Costs: Options and Issues for Consideration

June 21, 2019 - Recent catastrophic wildfires caused by utilities in California have caused tens of billions of dollars in property damage. Under current legal standards, these damages will directly lead to increased costs for utilities, which could be passed on to ratepayers. Moreover, the recognition of increased potential costs associated with wildfire risks has affected the credit markets, contributing to one investor owned utility (Pacific Gas and Electric) declaring bankruptcy, as well as credit downgrades for other utilities. These credit effects will make it more difficult and expensive for utilities to secure financing for capital investments, which will also increase costs for ratepayers, as well as potentially affect other policy goals. The goal of this report is to be a resource for policymakers and the public seeking to better understand the complicated issues surrounding utilities and the costs associated with wildfire risks.

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Cap-and-Trade Expenditure Plan

May 31, 2019 - Presented to: Budget Conference Committee

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Item 3940 and 8570 Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Program

May 31, 2019 - Presented to: Budget Conference Committee

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Overview of Flood Management in California

May 9, 2019 - Assembly Governmental Organization Committee And Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee

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Funding Water-Related Activities

April 30, 2019 - Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee

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Coastal Adaptation

April 4, 2019 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation

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Coastal Adaptation

March 27, 2019 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation

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Climate Change and State Bonds

March 26, 2019 - Presented to Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water

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Overview of Proposition 68

March 7, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation

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Overview of Wildfire Budget and Technology Proposals

March 6, 2019 - Presented to: Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization and Senate Committee on Governmental Organization

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Overview of Proposition 68

March 6, 2019 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation

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Assessing California’s Climate Policies

February 20, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Environmental Quality Committee

Environment and Natural Resources Staff

Helen Kerstein
(916) 319-8364
Forestry, Parks, and High Speed Rail
 
Sonja Petek
(916) 319-8340
Water, Coastal Development, and Fish and Wildlife
 
Frank Jimenez
(916) 319-8324
Highways and Roads, Recycling, Agriculture, and Toxics
 
Luke Koushmaro
(916) 319-8355
Mass Transportation, Traffic Enforcement, Statewide Planning and Infrastructure
 
Sarah Cornett
(916) 319-8329
Air Quality, Energy, and Climate Change
 
Rachel Ehlers
(916) 319-8330
Deputy Legislative Analyst: Environment and Transportation